Chicago Startup REACH Pathways wins $20,000 first place prize at Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition
Molson Coors sponsored event highlighted innovation and entrepreneurship, in partnership with Milwaukee World Festival Inc. and Young Enterprising Society
CHICAGO — June 27, 2024 — REACH Pathways, a startup from Chicago, won the top prize at this year’s Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition, earning a $20,000 cash award. Sponsored by Molson Coors and in partnership with Milwaukee World Festival Inc. and Young Enterprising Society, the event highlighted a shared commitment to supporting emerging tech, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Milwaukee-based Roddy Medical secured the second-place prize of $10,000, while Chicago’s Liff Happens won a $5,000 award for third place. Roddy Medical also received an additional $5,000 as the “Hometown Winner,” an award that celebrates Milwaukee’s status as a global tech hub. The remaining five startups were each awarded $2,000 for their innovative contributions.
“This year’s competition has once again demonstrated the incredible potential and ingenuity of our entrepreneurial community. At Molson Coors, we are proud to support these trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of tech innovation in their respective fields,” said Jonah Turner, head of technology innovation, Molson Coors. “We are particularly thrilled for REACH Pathways, and we look forward to seeing how this well-deserved prize will accelerate their growth and impact.”
Stemming from the research-based curriculum of nonprofit Chicago Scholars, REACH Pathways is the college and career pathway for high-performing under-resourced students at the nexus of companies and communities. Less like homework and more like a video game, REACH rewards students for interacting with mentors, accessing bite-size career content and completing real-life tasks in a vibrant virtual community.
The 2024 Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition showcased a diverse group of finalists competing for a share of the $50,000 prize pool. The contenders included Athlytic, Atomix, Econofi, Liff Happens, Lotza, MuSample, REACH Pathways and RoddyMedical.
Turner hosted the event with a distinguished panel of judges comprising business and community leaders:
• Jessica Boling: deputy assistant director, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
• Kendrick Pullen: CEO and co-founder, LifeTagger
• Kristie Benbazza: vice president, data, analytics and AI, Molson Coors
• Maggie Fernandes: program director, We Pivot
• Paul Hoesly: CFO and CSO, Potawatomi Ventures
• Rich Scudellari: founding partner, Penny Jar
• Robert Kraft: CEO and founder, Atlas World Sports
• Terese Caro: president and CEO, LRC MKE
In addition to sponsoring the Summerfest Tech Pitch Competition, Molson Coors’ vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, Steven Brown, also participated in Summerfest Tech’s opening panel “Wisconsin’'s Secret Sauce: The Power of Relationships in Business and Creativity,” with TitletownTech, Microsoft and South by Southwest on June 24.
To learn more about Molson Coors investments in technology and entrepreneurship to make a positive difference in the communities it serves, please visit molsoncoors.com.
About Molson Coors
For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has been brewing beverages that unite people to celebrate all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Blue Moon Light, Vizzy, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Creemore Springs, Hop Valley and more, Molson Coors produces many beloved and iconic beer brands. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well. Our ESG strategy is focused on People and Planet with a strong commitment to raising industry standards and leaving a positive imprint on our employees, consumers, communities and the environment. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com, MolsonCoorsOurImprint.com or on Twitter through @MolsonCoors.
About Summerfest Tech
Summerfest Tech began in 2018 with the goal of leveraging the Summerfest brand to showcase technology and provide a forum for attendees from the tech and business community to network, educate, and celebrate the evolution of technology. Summerfest Tech continues to champion the regional business community, while shining the spotlight on Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a tech hub, highlighting the growth and opportunity in the region. Programming from local, regional, and national speakers, as well as a cash-prize pitch competition, connects the tech community around relevant topics. Summerfest Tech will be held June 24-27, 2024, free of charge, in-person and available virtually. For more details, visit Summerfest-tech.com.